The Indian Army has upgraded its fleet of Soviet‑made ZSU‑23‑4 Shilka air‑defence guns with a comprehensive enhancement package. The new Shilka now features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with a detection range of about 15 km, enabling simultaneous tracking of multiple targets. An electro‑optic/infrared (EO/IR) system has also been added, allowing silent target acquisition and reducing the chance of detection by enemy forces.
The upgrade, carried out by the state‑owned BEL company, represents a significant leap from the original 1960s design. So far, 48 Shilkas have been modernised. The system still relies on the 23‑mm 2A7 autocannon, but the new digital fire‑control and radar give it improved capability against small UAVs, helicopters, cruise missiles and fast low‑altitude targets.